WHO & Regional Offices [to 20 May 2017]

Keynote speech at the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting
19 May 2017 — “I am honoured to address this G20 meeting of health ministers as you consider ways to strengthen global health security, especially as these meetings can have such a strong impact on international policies.” Dr Chan, WHO Director-General.

World Health Statistics: Cause of almost half of all deaths recorded
17 May 2017 – Almost half of all deaths globally are now recorded with a cause, new data from WHO show, highlighting improvements countries have made on collecting vital statistics and monitoring progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WHO’s World Health Statistics compiles data from the organization’s 194 Member States on 21 health-related SDG targets, providing a snapshot of both gains and threats to the health of the world’s people.

More than 1.2 million adolescents die every year
16 May 2017 – More than 3000 adolescents die every day, totalling 1.2 million deaths a year, from largely preventable causes, according to a new report from WHO and partners. In 2015, more than two thirds of these deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and South-East Asia. Road traffic injuries, lower respiratory infections, and suicide are the biggest causes of death among adolescents.

Highlights Double-duty actions for ending malnutrition within a decade
May 2017 – Malnutrition has many forms. Undernutrition can see children dangerously thin for their height (wasting), or their growth permanently impeded (stunting). Inadequate intake of key nutrients may weaken immune systems, impair brain development, and worsen the risk of conditions such as anaemia and blindness.